Meet the Beast: Brian Orakpo

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

Can we not act like Orakpo and Carter are going to start across from each other at the ends? We just went through a situation like this last year.

They'll be on the field at the same time in pass rushing situations, but on first and second down, it's going to be one or the other.

GT how do you project Rak as a SLB on 1st and 2nd down? Will he be able to cover and make plays in space as we require of our LB corp?

Edit: Also, how far is he from being a solid LDE...i mean both talent wise and bulk?

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by The Goat

GT how do you project Rak as a SLB on 1st and 2nd down? Will he be able to cover and make plays in space as we require of our LB corp?

Edit: Also, how far is he from being a solid LDE...i mean both talent wise and bulk?

Most teams treat LE as a different animal than RE, so as our future pass rushing stud, I think it would be a mistake to work him anywhere but RE as a rookie. I think he should split time with Carter, and I'd like to see him rush the passer from a standing position on third down.

I think he could handle all the responsibilities of a linebacker in this defense. I wouldn't play him there though, at least at the beginning of the year. If we're going to be blitz happy, we might as well, but again, I'd rather have Blades on the field than Orakpo. Ultimately, defensive lineman have a high bust rate because teams tend to mishandle them, so I think the critical thing is that we develop him properly, and don't be shortsighted with him.

The last time a Blache defense had the 13th overall pick, they drafted some DE named Michael Haynes. Just sayin'. Orakpo is a much more dynamic player, but he's not a sure thing if mismanaged.

[Lotus]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

Most teams treat LE as a different animal than RE, so as our future pass rushing stud, I think it would be a mistake to work him anywhere but RE as a rookie. I think he should split time with Carter, and I'd like to see him rush the passer from a standing position on third down.

I think he could handle all the responsibilities of a linebacker in this defense. I wouldn't play him there though, at least at the beginning of the year. If we're going to be blitz happy, we might as well, but again, I'd rather have Blades on the field than Orakpo. Ultimately, defensive lineman have a high bust rate because teams tend to mishandle them, so I think the critical thing is that we develop him properly, and don't be shortsighted with him.

The last time a Blache defense had the 13th overall pick, they drafted some DE named Michael Haynes. Just sayin'. Orakpo is a much more dynamic player, but he's not a sure thing if mismanaged.

While I understand what you are saying, the Giants had no problem having Strahan on one side and Osi on the other. It is possible to have two pass-rushing DE's on the field at the same time.